It’s time to Glow! So says the RHS. Sarah and I recently visited the RHS Garden Bridgewater during the daytime. However, Glow 2021 was the first time RHS Garden Bridgewater has put on this winter evening show. It enables visitors to see the garden in a whole new light.

RHS advertised the event as a chance to ‘see the garden sparkle this festive season and follow dazzling displays lighting a magical trail.’

Visitors follow a set path around a selection of Bridgewater’s best-loved locations. So Sarah and set off for ‘an evening of enchantment.’

We began by following the path through the Weston Walled Garden.

This included walking through a twinkling tunnel towards the beginning of the walk.

After the walled garden we headed for the Lower Middle Wood path. 

Trees, shrubs and water features are illuminated in a range of colours from pink and purple through to green, blue and yellow.

Indeed, apart from the tunnel towards the beginning, the lights are firmly focused on what is already inside the gardens, rather than any additional installations.

At the end of the woodland walk we were greeted by Ellesmere Lake and the sight of the colourful trees. Each basking in the glow of the colourful lights. Their reflection gently mirrored on the water.

A little further on we dropped down and walked through Chinese Streamside Garden with its shrubs and water features producing some interesting colours through our cameras.  

The colours picked up by our cameras weren’t necessarily those we were seeing through our eyes. However, I don’t think Sarah was really green with envy!

Finally, we returned to the Welcome Building.

We left Glow 2021 with mixed feelings. It was ok, but …

In truth, it was far too busy. Maybe we had booked the wrong time or evening. Additionally, the lighting was interesting rather than inspiring, and while quite enjoyable it was a little lifeless. Some Christmas music might have added something. As would some extra entertainent and installations with a wow factor such as perhaps an extra walkthrough or two.

Would we come again? Just about … I think we would.